Dear Elder Smith,
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Washington Kennewick Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.
You should report to the Mexico Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, January 29, 2014. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish language.

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Othello, The Place to Be!

June 23, 2014

Family, Friends, and Dogs,

Well hello there strangers! How is everyone adjusting to the hot summer weather? How is the water at the beach? Is everyone making sure to apply there sun tan lotion everyday? The weather out here in Washington is getting a little warm and I actually think I'm getting tan....maybe. However, I will always be one of the whitest kids in a town like Othello, Washington.

My week has been absolutely fantastic and has flown bye in the blink of an eye! We've been blessed to continually find several new investigators who have been prepared by the Lord. We found 6 new investigators this week! As we proselyte in the warm weather all day, you definitely start to feel a little exhausted. The joys of being a missionary:)

Currently, we are trying to learn how to successfully OYM (Introduce the Gospel) in Mixteco. Half the time they are impressed with white boys speaking Mixteco and half the time they look at us with a blank stare. We have realized that within the Mixteco dialect, there are actually three different types of the dialect. Alto, bajo, and some other name. "Kwa'unn' o'wee'ba'unn;. Shikan'di'shee'e'tu'umm'n'dioshi. Sina'a de'do' o xa'a' jesucristo. Something along those lines and a lot more. We've been learning by simply asking every Mixteco person how to say a new phrase. Asking them if they speak Mixteco is actually a super efficient ice breaker when knocking on someones door as well! We're also going to start Mixteco ball on every Friday because they love to play "BASKET." <---There code name for basketball. Also, we will be having a tournament on August 1st. This will hopefully be an amazing way to get non-members excited to come to church!

There was no extremely unusual things that happened this week, just enjoying the missionary work. Although, I had the opportunity to roof an hour for 8 hours this week, that was some of the hardest labor I had ever done. Also, I've learned never to wear shorts when roofing a house:) However, if anyone needs a new roof, I'm pretty sure my companion and I are professionals at this point! Also, IT'S CHERRY SEASON! I've never consumed so many cherries in a matter of one week. Washington cherry's are truly desirable.

All of our investigators are doing well. We have one investigator that we put on date last night named Isabel. She is on date to be baptized the 19th of the following month. We had taught her about 2 months ago and she didn't seem to have an interest in our message. We testified of the power of the Holy Ghost to answer her prayers if our message is true. After 3 or 4 unsuccessful attempts to contact her we decided to not stop by again. However, the other elders stopped by her house not knowing she was a former investigator and asked how she was doing. She had received an answer that what we taught was true! What an amazing opportunity we have to communicate with our father in heaven. We began teaching her yet again and set her baptismal date. The Lord truly testified the truth unto Isabel and it has grown my testimony and her's as well. Working side by side with the Holy Ghost is a blessing beyond belief. I hope everyone has a great week and enjoys the weather.

Washington Yakima Mission

Favorite Scripture: Ether 12:4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always bounding in good works, being led to glorify God.

My Family

*My Sister*

My lovely Sister, Tara Faye Smith. She is currently attending Brigham Young University Hawaii and recently got engaged. Words cannot describe how much I love her and how grateful I am to have had her by my side for the past 19 years.

*My Mom*

My mom has served as an inspiration and role-model to our entire family. She's my best friend and someone I can continuously count on in a time of need. I just love my momma.

*My Dad*

My Dad and I have always had a strong relationship. He has persistently encouraged myself to become a worthy Priesthood holder and has taught me to value life. I love my Dad and would be lost without him.

Called to Serve

Words cannot describe how grateful I am to serve the Lord and build the Kingdom of God. Thank you to my family, friends, and the Lord for inspiring me to become a full-time missionary.

Feasting Upon the Words of Christ

2 Nephi 32:3

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.